Dutch Gevulde Koeken (Almond Rounds)

If you've ever been to the Netherlands, you can't have missed these almond filled pastries. Gevulde koeken, "filled cookies" or Almond Rounds as I prefer to call them, are as Dutch as it gets. You'll find them anywhere, from gas stations to vending machines to posh bakeries. Your Dutch grandma will always have these in her pantry. The cheaper ones are so sweet that your dentist cries at the sight of them, while these homemade ones aren't that bad really - they're sweet, but the lemon  zest really lifts them up. The butter-laden pastry is soft and the almond paste filling moist and appropriately almond-y. This recipe is by my favorite Dutch baker, Cees Holtkamp, using it will result in the most beautiful, golden brown pastries you'll ever see. Serve warm for a maximum "gezellig" feeling!

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Christmas Stollen with Raisins and Hazelnuts (Kerststol)

Think of December and the "dark days before Christmas", and think of dried fruit laden and bursting-with-almonds enriched doughs. Whether it's cake or bread, raisins and almonds are what count these days. You'll need some patience for this soft and fruity loaf, but it will be well worth it - promise!

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